HC Deb 13 February 1989 vol 147 c68W
Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if health authorities sell placental tissue without the consent of the woman concerned.

Mr. Freeman

We do not collect information about the arrangements made by individual health authorities although we should expect them to respect any views expressed by patients on this matter.

Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether there are regulations governing the fate of the placental tissue after(a) an abortion and (b) a normal delivery of a child; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

There are no such regulations.

Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information he has on the sale of placental tissue to the Institut Merieux by British health authorities.

Mr. Freeman

There is a long-standing arrangement under which health authorities can make available placenta to the Institut Merieux. I understand this is used for therapeutic purpose (for example the manufacture of albumen and gamma globulin) and that a small handling charge is paid to the participating health authorities to cover storage costs. We understand from the Institut Merieux that it does not collect from National Health Service hospitals placenta which becomes available as a result of abortions.

Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money passed between Liverpool health authority and the Institut Merieux in France in the last financial year for which figures are available.

Mr. Freeman

I regret this information is not held centrally. I would advise the hon. Member to write directly to the chairman of Liverpool health authority if he wishes to pursue this matter.